Hometown: Oakland, California
Occupation: Cook
Born and raised in San Leandro, California, Mike is the oldest child in a family with three half-brothers and one half-sister. His food addiction began when he was 7 years old and his stepfather would punish him by sending him to bed without dinner, prompting him to raid the refrigerator after everyone was asleep. But the weight gain actually started when he went on the road with his father delivering furniture in a big rig. Gorging himself on truck-stop buffets and sitting in the truck for days on end caused Mike to gain 50 pounds one summer when he was just 12 years old. He became a full-on food and nicotine addict. Mike received his E.M.T. certificate after high school and has held various jobs since, including working as a cook, a maintenance man and a car salesman.
Since winning the at-home prize on Season 13 by losing 160 pounds, Mike has continued to strive to live life to the fullest. Prior to being on the show, Mike was diagnosed with pre-diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea and asthma. Now all diseases are in full remission! He trains six days a week lifting weights, running and boxing, and is scheduled to run the Los Angeles full marathon in March 2013! He is also working with Dr. Huizenga at The Clinic, a radical treatment center for obesity, and obesity-related diseases located in Los Angeles. Mike is scheduled to marry Alisa, the girl of his dreams, in September 2013. He met Alisa at the auditions for The Biggest Loser Season 14.
